Moving Across the Country? Here Are Some Helpful Tips

For all you seasoned, cross-country movers out there, you know how much time and energy goes into the long distance journey. You’re not making small trips down the street to move your things, nor do you have the luxury of throwing your belongings haphazardly into luggage pieces and rolling them into your new place at your convenience. A cross-country move requires planning, preparation, and some serious decision-making. For all you first timers, here’s what to consider when moving across the country and some tips to help you get there.

Decide What’s Replaceable

It’s a hard pill to swallow, but let’s face it: most of your things are replaceable. Unless they’ve been passed down generations upon generations, or they have some sort of sentimental or extreme monetary value, your things are, likely, easy to replace. When paying for the cost of shipping per item, it will make more sense to get rid of some of the large items that take up the most space. Really evaluate whether that old, wooden dresser is worth paying to have it moved across the country, or if you can buy a similar one for a decent price when you get to your new city. If you aren’t too attached to it, donate or sell it. The same goes for TVs. If yours is a few years old and it’s going to cost a lot to get it packaged nicely to protect the screen, sell it and use some of that money to buy a new one for your next apartment.

When deciding which items are replaceable, consider the cost of shipping or moving it, its sentimental value, and whether you can find a similar item in your new city.

If Using a Moving Company, Research It Thoroughly

You’ll need to consider whether it’s worth hiring professional movers. If you decide that it is, do yourself a favor and thoroughly research multiple companies. Ask specific questions about each company’s insurance policy, the rate you’ll be paying, and if there are any added costs or fees. Be weary of moving companies that will try to scam you by giving you one rate upfront and then arriving on move-in day and changing the rate. Get everything in writing beforehand and make sure each party signs a contract so that you know exactly what is expected and what you’ll be paying.

Get the Right Moving Truck

If you won’t be using a moving company, you’ll want to find the right ride for your personal moving adventure. There are many things to look for when renting a moving truck, and you should think about your requirements. How comfortable are you driving a large truck? What about the height of the loading dock? If you’re moving alone across the country, be sure to get a truck that is easy for you to drive, has a low truck bed so you can load and unload boxes yourself, and is big enough to fit all of your belongings. You’ll also want to check out the moving truck insurance and make sure you’re covered in case anything happens on your trip.

Ship Items Ahead of Time

If you are, in fact, moving solo, you might want to consider shipping your belongings ahead of time to avoid having to rent a moving truck. Some of the best rates for shipping can be found through Greyhound Package Express, where your boxes and luggage pieces will be placed in the cargo area of a Greyhound bus that’s already traveling across the country. You’ll save some money and you’ll be less stressed once your belongings are out of your hands and on their way to your new place. Plus, then you can take that cross-country road trip you’ve always dreamed of without being crammed in a car full of your stuff or stuck behind the wheel of a gigantic U-HAUL.

Consider a Temporary Sublet

Remotely searching for an apartment can be a pain. You can’t physically see the space and have to rely on the quality of the photos to make a decision. Plus, you’ll be more vulnerable to falling for scams if you feel like you’re in a time crunch and need to make a decision quickly. Start out by staying in a sublet for the first few weeks while you get your feet on the ground. Search for an apartment once you’re in your new city; you’ll be able to physically tour some apartments and decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Moving across the country is definitely a process, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult as you think. Use these tips and prepare ahead of time; you’ll thank yourself when you’re stress-free and ready to take on your new city.